Campus Cards, College and University Identification and Security

Cutting-edge biometrics reader brings latest in access control to college campuses

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Biometric hand readers aren’t just for use at banks or other high-secure facilities. Colleges can use the same thing to control access to their buildings, thanks to an Ingersoll Rand reader that has been integrated with campus card systems provided by CBORD.


Ithaca, New York- The next phase of access control technology has arrived - and The CBORD Group, Inc. and Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies are leading the way in delivering its benefits to the college and university marketplace. Once reserved for high-security applications, the Ingersoll Rand Handkey II reader is now widely used at colleges and universities across the country, integrated with campus card systems provided by CBORD.

The Handkey II utilizes field-proven hand geometry technology to map and verify the size and shape of a person’s hand, then compares it to the geometry stored in a database, granting or denying access in less than a second. The reader integrates with CS Access, CBORD’s access control solution which can be used with its CS Gold campus card system, in addition to Odyssey PCS (when used in conjunction with an Epic card reader).

“We have been greatly impressed with the speed and convenience of the Handkey II reader,” says Erich Heise, System Administrator at Southern Methodist University, which uses the Handkey II with the CS Access module of CS Gold. “We have workstations nearby, ready to enroll patrons, and our employees can see entrants’ faces and access information pop up on-screen when they scan their hands. We see many more uses for Handkey II verification around campus, especially with integration of a standard card reader to add another level of security to certain sensitive areas.”

Keene State College uses the Handkey II reader with CBORD’s Odyssey PCS campus card system and Epic card readers. Rebecca Briggs of Keene State College Dining Services comments, “Students are accepting of the technology. It is a natural fit in our new, state-of-the-art dining facility. We have been using the Handkey II for a year now, and students love the convenience.” Handkey II Reader from The CBORD Group

“The Handkey II is a great solution for the college and university market,” says Randy Eckels, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, The CBORD Group, Inc. “The ability to use it on its own for identity verification, in conjunction with a card reader for an added level of security, or even tied to meal plans for dining services, sets the bar high for the future of access control technology.”

“The Handkey II’s card reader emulation mode makes it perfectly suited for use with CBORD’s campus card systems,” says Mark Doi, Director of National Accounts, Education Market, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies. “Systems can be as simple as one unit on a computer room door or elevator, or hundreds of units networked together. The integration between the systems is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of any facility.”

About The CBORD Group, Inc. The CBORD Group serves colleges and universities, corporations, healthcare facilities, chain restaurants, supermarkets, and a host of other market segments. CBORD’s products are used in access control, campus ID card privilege control, electronic security, meal plans, housing services, online ordering, foodservice, catering, nutrition services, and other institution-wide activities. The CBORD Group serves more than 5,000 clients in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Australia.

The CBORD Group was founded in 1975. Today it employs more than 450 professionals. To learn more about CBORD, visit us at www.cbord.com.

About Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies (NASDAQ: IR) is a worldwide leader in biometric access control, time and attendance, and identity verification solutions. Since 1986, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies has been dedicated to developing the science of biometrics and the art of applying biometric technologies to meet the needs of its customers. Visit securitytechnologies.ingersollrand.com to learn more. [end] 

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